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The history of Europe’s spaceport
In 1968, French Guiana became France’s gateway to space. More than half a century later, it has taken on an even more significant role to become the European launch base.
Once upon a time...
there was a space centre
Dive into the history of Europe's spaceport: discover its key dates at a glance, from its creation to the present day.
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From Algeria to French Guyana
The choice of location for Europe’s spaceport was no accident: few places in the world meet the selection criteria for this type of facility so well. However, before French Guiana, France took its first steps into space from Algeria…
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A French ambition that became European
Created by a desire for French national greatness, the French Guiana Space Centre became an essential asset for the European space industry from 1975.
Launchers and facilities of the past
Launchers and their launch facilities have evolved considerably since the first space programmes. Each of them has played its part, in its own way, in the development and success of today’s launchers.
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Sounding rockets
Between 1968 and 1981, several hundred sounding rockets took off from the French Guiana Space Centre. These launches have provided knowledge of the launch techniques essential for developing more advanced rockets.
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Diamant
First real launcher to take off from the French Guiana Space Centre, Diamant had already taken off from Hammaguir in Algeria in 1965. The versions launched in French Guiana, more powerful, made it possible to place heavier satellites in orbit. Diamant carried out 8 launch missions and placed 7 satellites in orbit from the space centre between 1970 and 1975.
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Europa 2
Only one launch of Europa 2 will take place at the CSG. Like its 1st version, this program bringing together several nations is a failure. It will lead to a reorganisation of the European space programme which will lead to the development of the Ariane family.
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Ariane 1 to 4
Exclusive to the French Guiana Space Centre, the launchers of the Ariane family have guaranteed Europe independent and reliable access to space. Ariane 4 will be a great success with 116 launches including 113 successful.
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Soyuz
The result of a partnership between Russia and Europe, the operation of the Russian launcher Soyuz at the French Guiana Space Centre has made it possible to carry out 27 launches from 2011 to 2022. This program stopped two years before the scheduled date, following the decision of the Russian authorities to suspend cooperation with Europe as a result of the war in Ukraine.
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Vega
This European light launcher was developed to launch small and medium-sized payloads into orbit, as well as to deploy satellite constellations. Vega closed a 12-year career in 2024, with 22 launches to its credit, to make way for its successor, Vega-C.
Ariane 5
Considered as one of the most reliable launchers on a global scale, the European heavy launcher has evolved into five successive versions in order to adapt to the increasing weight of satellites and the needs of its customers. During its 27 years of activity, from 1996 to 2023, rich in successes and emblematic missions, Ariane 5 completed a total of 117 flights.
History of launches
See the history of launches at Europe’s spaceport, from the first Ariane (L01) to the present day.
Europe’s spaceport’s leadership
Since 1966, sixteen men and one woman have led Europe’s spaceport. Click here to find out more.
